Behind the Smile Dentistry for Childrenhttps://behindthesmile.com
Compassionate Pediatric DentistryTue, 27 Nov 2018 00:09:07 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.1https://behindthesmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/favicon.pngBehind the Smile Dentistry for Childrenhttps://behindthesmile.com
3232Sports & Your Child’s Teethhttps://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/sports-your-childs-teeth
https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/sports-your-childs-teeth#respondThu, 01 Mar 2018 15:31:22 +0000http://behindthesmile.com/?p=867For many children, sports are a central part of their life, beginning as soon as they can swing a (plastic) bat and lasting through their high school years and beyond. Sports provide many life lessons, help develop character, problem solving skills, physical fitness, and so many other benefits. They can also, however, be detrimental to […]

]]>For many children, sports are a central part of their life, beginning as soon as they can swing a (plastic) bat and lasting through their high school years and beyond. Sports provide many life lessons, help develop character, problem solving skills, physical fitness, and so many other benefits. They can also, however, be detrimental to oral health, if proper precautions are not put in place. Here are a couple things to consider as the sports season gets underway.

Sports Drinks

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated while participating in any sort of physical activity, and especially during the warm months of the year. Sports drinks, with their array of tempting flavors and the purported benefit of containing essential electrolytes to replenish lost nutrients, are often an enticing option.

However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, consuming sports drinks can lead to tooth decay and obesity. The top ingredients in sports drinks often include citric acid and high fructose corn syrup, which are a devastating combination for tooth health. Citric acid affects the natural pH of the mouth, creating a more acidic environment, which in turn leads to increased erosion of the enamel. The high fructose corn syrup withdraws necessary minerals from the teeth, and also feeds the bacteria in the mouth responsible for creating plaque and eventually, tooth decay. Yikes!

According to the AAP, although sports drinks can sometimes be beneficial for athletes who take part in long period of intense exercise, water is usually the best way to go to ensure children are receiving adequate hydration, but not the excessive sugar and other ingredients that cause havoc for teeth!

Mouthguards

Mouthguards are used to protect your child’s teeth from harm, particularly during contact sports and other physical activity. In some collision sports, such as football, hockey, and boxing, mouthguards are often mandatory. In other sports, they may not be required, but they are strongly encouraged due to the potential for injury.

Mouthguards come in a variety of different types, including: custom-made mouthguards, boil and bite mouth guards, and stock mouth guards. Boil and bite, and stock mouthguards often don’t fit well and tend to be uncomfortable, making them less ideal. Custom-made mouthguards, on the other hand, provide maximum protection, comfort, and allow your child to easily communicate while wearing them. They are made using an imprint taken in the dentist office, and custom-fit to your child’s mouth.

Staying informed when it comes to sports and your child’s dental health can help prevent tooth decay and more serious injuries from happening. If you have any questions about the sports your child is playing or the health of their teeth, don’t hesitate to ask us at their next appointment.

]]>https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/sports-your-childs-teeth/feed0Common Snacks that Cause Problems for Children’s Teethhttps://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/common-snacks-that-cause-problems-for-childrens-teeth
https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/common-snacks-that-cause-problems-for-childrens-teeth#respondMon, 26 Feb 2018 23:09:23 +0000http://behindthesmile.com/?p=858As parents, we strive to routinely provide our children with nutritious snacks, while also allowing them the occasional indulgence to feed that sweet or salty craving they ALWAYS seem to have! We keenly understand the impact that a healthy, balanced diet has on their mood, focus, and overall health. But another impact that we may […]

]]>As parents, we strive to routinely provide our children with nutritious snacks, while also allowing them the occasional indulgence to feed that sweet or salty craving they ALWAYS seem to have! We keenly understand the impact that a healthy, balanced diet has on their mood, focus, and overall health. But another impact that we may not always consider is how their diet, especially the snacks they consume, may be affecting their teeth. Sugary, sticky, and acidic snacks can be particularly damaging if we’re not vigilant.

What They Do

Our mouth contains bacteria that feeds on the sugars we consume. As the bacteria feeds, the sugar breaks down into acid, which is strong enough to erode the enamel of our teeth. The acid and the bacteria together, with the help of food particles and saliva, form plaque that accumulates on the teeth. Once the plaque has formed, the acid burrows and eats into the enamel, beginning the formation of cavities.

Types of Snacks to Avoid

Sugary Foods

Sugary foods, such as candy, cakes, and cookies, are an obvious culprit in tooth decay as they provide an easy source of “food” for our mouth’s bacteria. In addition to sugary food, however, we need to also be mindful of sugary drinks, such as soda, sports drinks and fruit juice. The sugar content, carbonation in the soda, and acid in the soda and juice make for particularly destructive combinations for our children’s teeth.

Starchy foods

Starchy foods can be just as harmful as the sugary foods and drinks that are typically associated with cavities. Potato chips, pasta, bread, crackers, and other simple carbohydrates tend to stay in the mouth for extended periods of time and adhere to teeth. Our saliva helps break starchy food down into sugar in the mouth, providing ample sustenance to our mouth’s bacteria.

Sticky substances

Candies that easily stick to teeth, like caramels, hard candies and lollipops are a double whammy for our children’s teeth. With other sugary foods, a swish of water or a good brushing can help rid the mouth of the extra sugar. With sticky foods, however, the sugar tends to stay on our teeth for a long time, making it easier for the bacteria and acid to combine and produce cavities.

What To Eat Instead

When it comes to choosing a healthy snack that won’t harm your child’s teeth, try to stay away from anything with excessive sugar. Choosing snacks from a variety of food groups can help your teeth to stay healthy.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Apples and carrots are both full of fiber and water. Eating these crunchy and fiber-rich foods helps to increase saliva production in the mouth, which temporarily cleans the teeth. Celery is also a good choice, as it acts like floss in removing built-up food between the teeth. It’s packed with lots of Vitamins A and C, both of which are great for your gum health. Leafy grains are another great option as they are high in calcium, helping to build and strengthen enamel.

Dairy products

Cheese, yogurt and milk supply your teeth with important minerals and nutrients, especially calcium and protein. Cheese has been proven to raise pH levels in the mouth, which helps reduce the risk of cavities. And eating yogurt, particularly unsweetened yogurt, supplies your mouth with good bacteria to defeat the bad bacteria.

The Best Defense: A Good Brushing Routine

As always, the best defense against cavities — no matter your child’s diet — is a sound twice-per-day brushing routine, coupled with flossing at least once per day. It’s difficult to always be vigilant about the snacks our children consume, but we can set the foundation for good oral health throughout their childhood and lifetime if we help them establish and stick to proper oral hygiene.

If you have any questions about what you can do to minimize your child’s risk of cavities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. At Behind the Smile, we pride ourselves in providing our patients and their parents with a compassionate and child-friendly environment. Schedule an appointment online or by calling our office.

]]>https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/common-snacks-that-cause-problems-for-childrens-teeth/feed0Pediatric Dentist or General Dentist: What’s Right for Your Child?https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/pediatric-dentists-vs-regular-dentists
https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/pediatric-dentists-vs-regular-dentists#respondTue, 30 Jan 2018 18:24:06 +0000http://behindthesmile.com/?p=824Taking a trip to the dentist is stressful for everyone, but when it comes to children, the experience can be even more intimidating. All of the tools, sounds, and unfamiliar faces invading their personal space can make any child dread going to the dentist, unless the environment presents itself as a safe and fun place. […]

]]>Taking a trip to the dentist is stressful for everyone, but when it comes to children, the experience can be even more intimidating. All of the tools, sounds, and unfamiliar faces invading their personal space can make any child dread going to the dentist, unless the environment presents itself as a safe and fun place. That’s why it’s important to choose a dentist that best fits your child’s needs. But how do you know which one is the right choice? Possibly the first decision to make is whether to send your child to a general dentist or pediatric dentist. Why? What’s the difference? Well, let us explain.

The Differences

Although both pediatric dentists and general dentists have the capacity to provide dental care to children, their difference lies in the amount of training that each is required to complete. Both pediatric and general dentists must obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) after their undergraduate degree. It’s what they do after receiving a DDS or DMD that accounts for the key difference.

In the case of a pediatric dentist, the doctor has elected to pursue a speciality certification in pediatric dentistry, which requires an additional two years of training during their residency. Through this training, pediatric dentists learn specifically how to work with children, understand how to address their needs, make them comfortable, and how to identify and address specific dental issues that children experience. The additional training covers dental health for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs.

General Dentists

Regular or general dentists typically treat adults, and tend to focus on problems more specific to permanent teeth. General dentists diagnose, prevent and treat issues that arise with adult teeth, including overall general health needs. They can also treat children, although they have not undergone additional training to receive a specialization in pediatric dentistry. Some of their common treatments include:

Teeth cleanings

Root canals

Fillings

Sealants

Crowns and bridges

Veneers

Gum disease care

Dental implants

Preventative education on oral health

Disease prevention

Interpreting X-rays

Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with a child’s developing teeth and jaw, child behavior, physical growth and development, and children with special needs. They often treat issues like tooth decay and tooth placement, crowding, crooked teeth, and missing teeth. Since children are more prone to tooth decay, pediatric dentists also help prevent and treat this issue before it has the chance to impact permanent teeth. Some of their typical treatments include:

Teeth cleanings

Sealants

Fluoride

Interpreting X-rays

Filling cavities

Removing teeth

Fixing broken teeth

Identifying and addressing spacing issues

Helping break bad habits

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist

We know it can be challenging to deal with a child’s anxiety, particularly when it comes to making trips to the dentist. That’s why choosing a pediatric dentist over a general dentist may be the key to making this necessary task easier. With their specialized training, pediatric dentists are often better equipped to deal with issues specific to children. They likely have more experience addressing and navigating challenges related to children’s oral health, and tend to have offices designed to make a visit to the dentist fun, engaging, and non-threatening. Pediatric dentists also use smaller tools, making it more comfortable for your child to receive care.

Tips to Choose the Right Dentist

Schedule a time to visit the office and meet the staff and doctors.Most dentists, especially pediatric dentists who understand a child’s anxiety and apprehensions, will gladly give you and your child an office tour so you have a chance to see to the environment and meet the doctor(s) prior to choosing a practice.

Ask about the doctor’s training and specialty certifications.In addition to the specialized certification for pediatric dentists, all dentists have the option to seek board certification from the board that oversees their particular area of dentistry (general dentistry or pediatric dentistry). To receive board certification, a dentist has to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise beyond that of other dentists in their field.

Ask for recommendations.Good dentists (general and pediatric) tend to receive strong word-of-mouth recommendations. Ask your friends and family with children for their recommendations to see which dentists in your area have the strongest reputation.

Here at Behind the Smile, we take pride in providing our patients and their parents with the highest quality care in a compassionate, gentle, and child-friendly environment. Call our office or complete our online form to schedule an appointment, or if you’re still researching, feel free to request an office tour to see what we’re all about.

]]>https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/pediatric-dentists-vs-regular-dentists/feed0Common FAQs for Our Doctorshttps://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/common-faqs-for-our-doctors
https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/common-faqs-for-our-doctors#respondWed, 20 Dec 2017 19:56:33 +0000http://behindthesmile.com/?p=813It’s getting close to the end of the year, which means we’ll soon start seeing lots of old and new faces in our office in 2018 (we can’t wait!). While we believe every child is different, with unique personalities and needs, there are some questions that pop up time and time again from parents during […]

]]>It’s getting close to the end of the year, which means we’ll soon start seeing lots of old and new faces in our office in 2018 (we can’t wait!). While we believe every child is different, with unique personalities and needs, there are some questions that pop up time and time again from parents during a checkup. And we love hearing them, because we want you to feel as informed as possible about your child’s teeth!

We’ve listed a few of the questions we get most often below. If you’d like us to go into more detail about any of these topics, or have a question we didn’t cover here, you know what to do… give us a call!

How should I clean my baby’s teeth?

Did you know that children that are too young to brush their own teeth still need dental care? Even babies without teeth should have their mouth cleaned with a wet washcloth or dampened piece of gauze. Once teeth start coming in, you can clean them with a baby toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste (the toothpaste should be no larger than the size of a grain of rice).

At what age should my child have their first dental appointment?

This is a great question! Children should have their first visit within six months after the first tooth eruption (or when the tooth becomes visible). Dentists will take a peek into your child’s mouth to get a feel for their bite and jaw, as well as the health of their teeth and gums. This initial visit is less about doing work on the teeth and more about getting children accustomed to the dentist from a young age. Children that become comfortable at the dentist early on will be more likely to carry those habits into adulthood.

How can I get my toddler to brush their teeth?

It isn’t always easy, but we do have a couple of tips. The most important thing to do is to make it fun! One trick is to have your toddler “brush” your teeth for practice, then brush their own. Another great idea is to use a stuffed animal to model how brushing should look. Don’t forget to incorporate a fun song into any trick you try! We LOVE this one from Sesame Street:

Sing along with your kids, dance a little, and stand next to them in the bathroom, brushing your teeth at the same time. Many tooth brushing songs for kids also serve as a “timer,” which means they are about two minutes long to ensure that children spend enough time brushing their teeth. These kinds of songs are lifesavers in our book!

Is thumbsucking bad for my child’s teeth?

Thumbsucking and pacifiers will only affect a child’s teeth if the habit continues for a prolonged period of time. Sucking is a natural reflex for babies that begins in the womb, and it makes them feel comforted and reassured. Most children will stop sucking between two and four years of age, as they grow up and explore more of their environment. Parents should discourage thumb sucking if it continues after age four by gently explaining to children that the habit could harm their big teeth, and encourage kids when they avoid sucking their thumb or pacifier in stressful situations.

How can I protect my child’s teeth while they are playing sports?

Soft mouthguards are the easiest and most effective way to protect children’s teeth and gums while they are playing sports. Pediatric dental offices like Behind the Smile can provide custom protective devices that fit your child’s mouth perfectly and prevent damage caused from teeth grinding or impact.

What should I do if my child has anxiety about going to the dentist?

If your child experiences anxiety about a dental visit, they are not alone — it’s very common for children to get nervous before going in for a checkup. One of the best things you can do is to prepare them for the visit early. Children thrive on a sense of predictability, and prepping them will give you as a parent enough time to answer any questions they may have before the visit. Avoid going into too much detail, but be honest with them and explain what they can expect. Verbal explanations may be too much for some children to understand, however, which is where modeling what will happen at the dentist with a stuffed animal comes in handy again. Show your child how the dentist will look into their mouth and brush and floss their teeth. You can even let them practice on the animal themselves, so they feel fully in control of the process.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact us or pull us aside during your next visit if you have any other questions. We’re here to be your partner in keeping your child’s teeth healthy, every step of the way. Bright, sparkling smiles for life is why we do what we do. It makes us happy to see parents that care about the long-term care of their child’s teeth, because we know oral health is key as children grow into strong adults!

]]>https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/common-faqs-for-our-doctors/feed0Fun Tooth Jokes for Kidshttps://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/fun-tooth-jokes-for-kids
https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/fun-tooth-jokes-for-kids#respondWed, 13 Dec 2017 22:48:46 +0000http://behindthesmile.com/?p=802We have a lot of children that come into the office pretty nervous about their dental visit, especially if it’s one of their first check-ups. As they age and get used to the process, they become more comfortable, but some children always harbor a bit of anxiety about getting their teeth cleaned. And who could […]

]]>We have a lot of children that come into the office pretty nervous about their dental visit, especially if it’s one of their first check-ups. As they age and get used to the process, they become more comfortable, but some children always harbor a bit of anxiety about getting their teeth cleaned. And who could blame them? There are grown women and men out there that still have anxiety surrounding that oh-so-necessary bi-annual appointment!

At Behind the Smile, we aim to make a visit to our office as enjoyable and kid-friendly as possible. Every child’s needs are different. That’s why we operate by listening to your child, answering their questions, and only proceeding when your child is completely comfortable. We’re dedicated to providing a friendly and reassuring environment that will soothe any fears little ones may have and get them on an early path to a lifetime of healthy teeth.

There are several ways that you can also help your child overcome any dental anxiety at home. For example, you should always make sure your child is fully prepared for the dentist by telling them about the appointment several days in advance. This gives children the opportunity to ask questions and have more control as they enter the office doors.

And one of our favorite ways to ease little one’s fears? A few funny tooth jokes!

Having some tooth-centered laughs helps children associate the dentist with fun and health instead of fear or worry. We love to lighten the situation in any way that makes children more comfortable, and jokes are an easy way to do this at home. Here are some humorous punchlines that keep us and our own kids chuckling!

Q: What did the dentist see at the North Pole?

A: A molar bear!

Q: What do dentists call their X-rays?

A: Tooth pics!

Q: What do tooth fairies have on their phones?

A: Bluetooth!

Q: What do dentists do on a roller coaster?

A: Brace themselves!

Q: Why did the deer need braces?

A: He had buck teeth!

Q: What do you call a dentist who doesn’t like tea?

A: Denis!

Q: Why do dentists like potatoes?

A: Because they are so filling!

Q: What is a dinosaur known for having great teeth?

A: The Flossoraptor!

If your child gets a kick out of any of these jokes, be sure to let us know. We love the power of a good laugh at Behind the Smile — we even started our own Kids Joke Series! We’ve asked kids to tell us their favorites jokes during their visit with us, and we’ll tell you one thing… the series has sure brightened up our office! You can see the joke videos (and watch them over and over if your kid has been featured!) on our Facebook page. We’ve included a few here for fun!

It’s so important to do what we can as dentists and parents to ease any childhood anxiety associated with going to the dentist, because we believe that a lifetime of a bright smile is formed at a young age. Positive experiences will teach children the necessity of healthy teeth and gums and help them form habits they’ll keep throughout their lives.

]]>https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/fun-tooth-jokes-for-kids/feed0Tooth Fairy Traditions from Around the Worldhttps://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/tooth-fairy-traditions-around-the-world
https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/tooth-fairy-traditions-around-the-world#respondTue, 28 Nov 2017 20:50:35 +0000http://behindthesmile.com/?p=796Ah, the tooth fairy… helping kids tolerate, and even look forward to, the loss of baby teeth for generations! We love talking to kids about what the tiny, winged fairy brought them each time they lose a tooth. You know the custom: when a tooth falls out, a child excitedly places it under his or […]

]]>Ah, the tooth fairy… helping kids tolerate, and even look forward to, the loss of baby teeth for generations! We love talking to kids about what the tiny, winged fairy brought them each time they lose a tooth. You know the custom: when a tooth falls out, a child excitedly places it under his or her pillow, and the next day, cash or a treat is magically found in its place!

Turns out, although the tooth fairy is a common fixture in the United States and other Western countries, there are some pretty fun traditions around the world — some with a variation of the tooth-stealing gifter and others with entirely unique customs. We hope you’ll get as much of a kick out of tooth fairy traditions across the globe as we did. Some of them may surprise you!

Spain

In Spain and other Hispanic-speaking countries like Peru, Mexico, and Chile, that little fairy takes the form of a mouse! El Ratoncito Pérez or Ratón Pérez operates much like the tooth fairy, stopping by to grab a baby tooth that’s been placed under a pillow and replacing it with a treat or coins. In some countries, kids put their teeth in a glass of water for a thirsty Perez, who takes the tooth, drinks the water and leaves a gift behind. Perez is a much-loved guy: there’s even a children’s museum dedicated to him in Madrid!

France

In similar fashion to the Spanish tradition, French children are also visited by a mouse, but her name is La Bonne Petite Souris (“The Good Little Mouse”). Thought to be adapted from a classic French story from the 17th century in which la petite souris helps get rid of an evil king, the mouse continues her good deeds today by replacing lost teeth with coins or treats.

Egypt

Egyptian children follow suite with many other middle-eastern countries: they throw baby teeth into the air! Wrapped in a tissue, kids toss their teeth up towards the sky. This is apparently in the hopes that the sun will give back a different tooth and a healthy smile!

Asia

Kids also partake in the teeth-throwing in some Asian countries. The tooth doesn’t always go up, though: if the lost tooth comes from the upper jaw, it gets thrown on the roof. And, you guessed it — if it comes from the lower jaw, it’s thrown onto the floor! As the baby teeth go flying, children ask for their teeth to be replaced with the tooth of a mouse (which grow continuously.) Pretty understandable!

Mongolia

In Mongolia, baby teeth are left to the dogs. It’s customary to wrap the lost teeth in meat and feed them to the household pet! The belief is that, in doing this, adult teeth will be just as strong as the teeth of the bone-eating dog. No dog? No problem! Children bury their teeth in the ground, next to a tree, in the hopes that adult teeth will have strong roots.

No matter the country, these fun customs are in place to ease what can sometimes be a traumatic event for little ones. Surrounding the discomfort children can often feel about losing a tooth with positive experiences is something we can always get behind!

]]>https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/tooth-fairy-traditions-around-the-world/feed0Healthy Thanksgiving-themed Snacks Kids Can Makehttps://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/healthy-thanksgiving-themed-snacks-kids-can-make
https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/healthy-thanksgiving-themed-snacks-kids-can-make#respondThu, 16 Nov 2017 19:54:05 +0000http://behindthesmile.com/?p=754The holiday season is approaching and our office is abuzz with discussions of Thanksgiving menu planning and recipe swapping. While we adults take care of the labor-intensive turkey roasting and potato mashing, we also love to get our kids in on the fun! Cooking and making snacks together is a great way to engage your […]

]]>The holiday season is approaching and our office is abuzz with discussions of Thanksgiving menu planning and recipe swapping. While we adults take care of the labor-intensive turkey roasting and potato mashing, we also love to get our kids in on the fun!

Cooking and making snacks together is a great way to engage your children in festivities of the season while teaching them some valuable lessons about health and nutrition. Don’t get us wrong — we look forward to treating our kids to pumpkin pies and apple crisps just a much as the next family! But, nothing really beats the laughter and creativity that come to life when they’re creating their own yummy and healthy snacks to support their developing bodies (and teeth!).

Here are a few of our favorite Thanksgiving-themed snacks that are simple and delicious!

Veggie Straw Turkey

We love this healthy recipe from A Thrifty Mom because it combines food and crafting! Kids will love helping out with this one. The best part? There’s no sugar! Bonus: it’s a great snack to bring to a classroom party.

What’s You’ll Need:

Small plastic cup

Pair of googly eyes

Orange and red paper or craft foam

Scissors

Craft glue

Baked veggie straws

Directions:

To begin assembling the face of your turkey, add glue to the googly eyes and press them to the front of the cup.

For the turkey’s beak, cut a small triangle out of the orange paper or foam and place it under the googly eyes.

Now for the turkey’s gobbler! Snip a gobbler out of the red paper or foam and glue it under the beak.

Colorful veggie straws make for perfect feathers! Simply place the veggies in the cup and flare them out to make bright, beautiful feathers for your turkey.

Tuna Turkey Sandwiches

This recipe from Your Modern Family has got it all — protein, fruit, veggies and fiber! If your kids don’t like tuna, you can easily substitute chicken salad or even peanut butter.

If you go the peanut butter route, Your Modern Family says to use pretzel sticks as the feathers, grapes for the eyes, and a tiny slice of cheese for the turkey’s beak. It’s not quite as nutritious and good for teeth as tuna/chicken salad option, but it’s still a fun treat with some healthy ingredients.

What You’ll Need:

Whole grain bread (Three pieces of bread makes one turkey.)

Scissors

Cookie cutter

Red and yellow peppers

Tuna salad

Small cranberries

Cream cheese

Directions:

Cut the crust off of the first two pieces of bread.

Use a round cookie cutter on the third piece of bread for the turkey’s “head.”

Slice your red and yellow peppers into long, thin strips, and then cut those strips in half.

Spread tuna salad on the bottom piece of bread and arrange the peppers to make the turkey’s feathers.

Add the top piece of bread.

Spread tuna on the “head” of the turkey and place it on top of the sandwich.

Use cream cheese to secure small cranberries to the bread for the turkey’s eyes.

Cut a small triangle out of a yellow pepper for the turkey’s beak and attach with cream cheese.

Cut a thin slice of red pepper for the turkey’s gobbler and attach with cream cheese.

Turkey Muffins

This recipe from the food and recipe section of Parenting combines apples, grapes and pumpkin muffins for a sweet treat!

]]>https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/healthy-thanksgiving-themed-snacks-kids-can-make/feed0How Diet & Nutrition Can Shorten Your Child’s Next Dentist Visithttps://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/how-diet-nutrition-can-shorten-your-childs-next-dentist-visit
https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/how-diet-nutrition-can-shorten-your-childs-next-dentist-visit#respondMon, 30 Oct 2017 16:28:12 +0000http://behindthesmile.com/?p=735We all know that a good oral hygiene routine, like flossing and brushing, is key to maintaining the health of your child’s teeth and gums. An often overlooked factor of oral health, however, is diet and nutrition. Listen, we know how hard it can be to get your kids to eat healthy meals consistently. Kids will […]

]]>We all know that a good oral hygiene routine, like flossing and brushing, is key to maintaining the health of your child’s teeth and gums. An often overlooked factor of oral health, however, is diet and nutrition. Listen, we know how hard it can be to get your kids to eat healthy meals consistently. Kids will be kids, after all!

But being knowledgeable about the foods that can cause cavities and infections can mean a lot in the battle to keep your child’s teeth pearly white, and more importantly, healthy and cavity-free.

Here are a few tips to that will help make your child’s dental visits short and *sweet*:

A Balanced Diet

The first step in preventing unnecessary tooth decay is giving your child meals that are rich in the nutrients that keep their little bodies healthy. That’s right — those five food groups are back again! A diet full of fruits and veggies, grains, dairy, fish, nuts, meat and eggs will help keep your little one’s teeth (and bones and muscles!) strong.

Ok, ok… we are parents, too, and we know how aspirations are sometimes quite different than reality. Getting your child to eat certain food groups can sometimes feel like you’re negotiating a high-stakes war-ending treaty. One idea we love is to give meals to your child and ask him or her to take a bite of each item on the plate, giving it a grade of A, B, C, D, or F. When healthy foods get good grades, serve them more often. Involving your little one in decision making will get them more excited to eat nutritious foods.

Reduce Sugar

Refined sugars in many processed foods like candy, chips, and other snacks are a major villain when it comes to tooth decay. Simply monitor the availability and frequency of these types of products in your home. Chips, cookies and the like should be viewed as treats and not regular staples in a diet. Fruits are an excellent snack option for kids — they’re sweet and easy to leave out on the counter for quick munching.

Quick Tips

1. When possible, avoid sugary beverages like soda, juice, and chocolate milk. The occasional sweet drink is ok, but avoid giving them to your child as a go-to. For example, after sporting events, always give your child water, not a sugary sports drink. Reinforcing habits like this at a young age will positively affect their diet choices (and oral health!) later in life.

2. Offer water to your child during and after every meal and snack. Water helps rinse away the sugar that sticks to teeth.

3. Encourage brushing and flossing twice per day — and do this yourself to set an example. If your child is too young to take care of their own teeth, brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove sugar that has stuck to the teeth and gums. After flossing and brushing in the evening, make sure your child doesn’t eat or drink anything sugary.

4. When your child does enjoy the occasional treat, have them brush their teeth immediately afterward. For example, when they get home from a birthday party where they had cake and soda, brushing right away will prevent the sugar from sticking around and causing decay.

5. Avoid sticky foods as much as possible. Treats like caramel or dried fruit cling to the teeth and feed the harmful bacteria that cause cavities. When your child does indulge, remind them to brush their teeth shortly thereafter.

Following these nutrition guidelines will go a long way in preventing painful tooth decay and long, uncomfortable dental visits. We love seeing your child — but don’t want it to be because they have a cavity or infection! If you have questions about the health of your child’s teeth, please don’t hesitate to ask us during your next visit to our office.

]]>https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/how-diet-nutrition-can-shorten-your-childs-next-dentist-visit/feed0Halloween Candy Buy Backhttps://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/halloween-candy-buy-back
https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/halloween-candy-buy-back#respondFri, 20 Oct 2017 18:18:35 +0000http://behindthesmile.com/?p=683Halloween season is one of our favorites. It’s so much fun to help your kids find that perfect costume and watch them gleefully trick-or-treat throughout the neighborhood or collect candy at a party. As parents ourselves, we love to see our kids enjoying the spooky holiday that’s filled with ghosts and goblins, pumpkin carving, and […]

Halloween season is one of our favorites. It’s so much fun to help your kids find that perfect costume and watch them gleefully trick-or-treat throughout the neighborhood or collect candy at a party. As parents ourselves, we love to see our kids enjoying the spooky holiday that’s filled with ghosts and goblins, pumpkin carving, and caramel apples.

The key to a fun Halloween begins with setting real expectations about your child’s candy consumption during this time of year. There’s no getting around all the sweet treats (and we wouldn’t ask you to do that!) but there are a few ways to enjoy all the delights of the holiday while helping to prevent tooth decay.

Limit the frequency of candy intake. Instead of snacking throughout the day, allow your children to have a few pieces after lunch or dinner.

Store candy in a place your kids can’t reach to keep them from having free range.

Encourage your child to eat other treats instead of candy, like sweet fruit or even Xylitol candies and gum, which are delicious and sugar free!

To help parents keep their kid’s teeth clean and sparkling, Behind the Smile also hosts an annual Halloween Candy Buy Back. It’s a tradition we’ve had for years that’s meant to provide an incentive for little ones to trade their stockpiled treats for cash. For every one pound of candy donated, we’ll give your child $1!

Details

This year, the buy back will be from November 1st through November 9th during normal office hours at both of our locations, in Amberglen and Murray Hill.

Note:On Friday, November 3rd, we’ll only be buying back candy at the Murrayhill office in Beaverton. Our hours will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We’d love to see you and your kids there!

All candy purchased during the buy back will be donated to Operation Gratitude. The nonprofit organization sends the treats to U.S. troops serving overseas to lift spirits and remind soldiers of home. For this reason, we encourage children to write a letter or draw a picture to accompany the candy.

We hope you’ll join our Halloween Candy Buy Back this year. We like to think of it as a win-win-win: it limits your child’s candy consumption, gets them excited about some cash to add to their piggy bank, and benefits the troops serving our country overseas.

P.S. We promise your kids will love the cash as much as the candy they donated!

]]>https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/halloween-candy-buy-back/feed0Caring for Your Child’s Teethhttps://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/caring-for-your-childs-teeth
https://behindthesmile.com/uncategorized/caring-for-your-childs-teeth#respondMon, 14 Aug 2017 20:49:30 +0000http://behindthesmile.com/?p=446Proper care of your child’s teeth can save a lot of time, pain, and money down the road. Since children are more at risk for developing cavities, it’s important to understand all of the factors at play in order to ensure the best oral hygiene possible. Below we will cover a few common topics that […]

]]>Proper care of your child’s teeth can save a lot of time, pain, and money down the road. Since children are more at risk for developing cavities, it’s important to understand all of the factors at play in order to ensure the best oral hygiene possible. Below we will cover a few common topics that come up when looking after your child’s oral health.

Establish a brushing and flossing routine, and make it fun!

The best way to care for a child’s teeth is a well-established routine of brushing and flossing. This simple routine, repeated twice daily, is a great way to prevent cavities and promote strong oral health.

Brushing Steps:

When brushing, the toothbrush should be at a 45 degree angle to the gum line.

Brush using small circle motions. Be very gentle as brushing too hard can cause bleeding and pain.

Be sure to brush all sides of the teeth including the outside, inside, and top (or chewing) surfaces. Oh, and don’t forget the tongue!

Rinse your mouth and toothbrush with clean water.

Flossing Steps:

Wrap floss around a finger on each hand. Be sure to wrap extra floss around one finger so there is fresh floss available as you go along.

Create a small length of floss to fit between the teeth.

Gently guide the floss between the teeth. Hug the floss against one tooth and slide the floss below the gum line to remove any debris that has been embedded below.

Slide the floss from between the teeth and repeat for the rest of the teeth.

Note: Flossing with regular floss does require some manual dexterity, so pre-strung floss picks may be particularly useful for young children who are just learning to floss.

Children, especially toddlers and young children, can be resistant to brushing or flossing their teeth. Playing a upbeat song or dancing can help make the activity fun, instead of a chore. Songs are also effective for ensuring your child is brushing for an adequate amount of time.

Preventing Cavities

Your body has a natural process of preventing the development of cavities. Saliva helps protect and re-mineralize the teeth; however, saliva by itself cannot completely protect your child’s teeth. Cavities are especially common in children, which is why promoting a good oral health routine is important.

Typically, cavities form in the areas that are hardest to reach when brushing and flossing, like the edges of the tooth crown and the gaps in between teeth.

Some signs of cavities include:

Toothache

Sensitivity in the tooth felt with hot or cold food and drink

Signs of decay like white spots

Tooth discoloration

Sometimes there may be no pain or other obvious signs of tooth decay, making regular dental checkups important in the fight against cavities. Without treatment, cavities can become incredibly painful and even lead to infection deeper in the tooth or root canal.

Along with twice-daily brushing and flossing, you should also monitor your child’s food and beverage intake. Avoid foods with high sugar content. The longer sugar is allowed to remain on or in-between teeth, the more likely cavities will develop. Replace soda with low-sugar beverages or water. Instead of candy, try fresh fruits and vegetables. All of these precautions can help prevent cavities from developing.

Other Oral Health Measures to Consider for Your Children

In addition to the above basic strategies for good oral health, regular visits to the dentist are also a fundamental piece of the pie. Generally, children should visit the dentist every six months, or at the frequency recommended by a doctor.

The doctors and hygienists at Behind the Smile love supporting you and your child in your journey towards good oral health. We take special care to ensure your child feels comfortable and safe during their visit with us, and that they leave excited for their next visit to the dentist. Call us today to schedule an appointment at one of our location in Beaverton or Hillsboro.